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#METOO SPARKS AN ONGOING MOVEMENT

This year has been quite the tumultuous year; with Donald Trump as president, several domestic and oversea terrorist attacks occurring, and natural disasters that have devastated so many lives, it seems like nothing good came out of this year.

2017 was also the year for sexual assault scandals to end the careers of beloved actors, musicians, comedians, and directors, and all around famous people. It all started in October, when the New York Times released a shocking article about producer Harvey Weinstein’s behavior, with dozens of women accusing him of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape.

Since then, Weinstein has been fired from his company, expelled from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences, suspended from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, left by his wife, and completely shunned by the entirety of the Hollywood community.

As a result, the hashtag “#MeToo” started trending on all social media platforms after actress Alyssa Milano tweeted and urged her followers to use the hashtag. The movement, which was created 10 years ago by activist Tarana Burke, provides a safe space for everyone who has suffered at the hands of a sexual abuser, and encourages people to share their story, offer help, or simply say “me too.” The result was astounding. People from all over the world tweeted and posted #MeToo, with over half a million tweets in the first 24 hours alone. This shows that rape culture exists in not just Hollywood, but all around the world.

#MeToo has sparked a conversation that has proven difficult to stop. Allegations and accusations have continued to pour in, and #MeToo can be considered a reason behind it. So many people have found the courage and confidence to put an end to this inexcusable behavior and share their stories.

Most importantly, #MeToo shows that people aren’t alone. Inappropriate and unwarranted behavior exists everywhere, but folks are finding their voice and deciding to put a stop to this kind of behavior and reveal how problematic this is.

Without #MeToo, people wouldn’t have been able to find their voices and courage to stand up to their abusers. #MeToo has created a beautiful community of people who, instead of allowing their abusers to win, are banding together to put an end to this vicious culture that has perpetuated sexual misconduct.